TALE OF THE TAPE

Tale Of The Tape: Original Twins Dog Vs. Kramarczuk’s Sausage

I know I’m setting myself up for a tough debate here because really, there is no loser in this face-off. That said, there are plenty of factors one can consider when trying to make a game-time decision for your Target Field feasting. And sure, no one is against the option of both — double-fisting dogs is certainly not frowned upon. Still, when it comes to choosing — do you stick with the original or up your flavor profile with a Minnesota favorite? The Original Twins Dog is available in several locations, is a cheap eat and just screams summer baseball. But Kramarczuk’s has mastered the sausage, it’s a larger helping and they’ve been a family classic in the state since 1954. So what do you choose for your Target Field meal, Twins Dog or Kramarczuk’s Sausage?

Original Twins Dog

Kramarczuk's Sausage

(credit: CBS)

(credit: CBS)

Cost

Winner
$4 ($1 on Dollar-A-Dog days)

$7.50

History

Winner
When the Twins said goodbye to the Metrodome, they also bid farewell to the classic Dome dog. Luckily, Minnesota's own Schweigert Meats happily stepped in to give baseball fans their version of an Original Twins Dog, in an effort to try and replace the classic Hormel offering. Schweigert's brand began in north Minneapolis in 1937 and uses the same recipe that was offered at the Twins' first outdoor home -- Metropolitan Stadium. This is also the hot dog that is used for the Twins' uber popular Dollar-A-Dog days.

Since 1954, Kramarczuk's has been known as a Minneapolis landmark, not to mention THE place to get sausages, among other deli goodies. When the plans for Target Field were announced, it was also revealed that Kramarczuk's would have their very own stand inside the ballpark, which was all thanks to a simple request from Orest Kramarczuk to Twins owner Carl Pohlad.

Customizations

When you order the Twins Dog, as delicious as it is, you've basically got your standard options -- ketchup, mustard, onions, relish. And that's about it. Hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

Winner
New this year, Kramarczuk's is offering a hot dog inside a bratwurst, wrapped in bacon inside a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and mustard. You can also choose from classic brats, Polish and Hungarian sausages. Plus, you can top it with grilled onions and their tasty kraut, among your typical condiments.

Taste

While it may have changed hands over the years, the classic Twins Dog still carries plenty of nostalgia upon that first bite. For those of us who grew up attending Twins games, it's an instant time machine back to childhood memories and those early ball game outings. And yes, there's something to be said about the simplicity of an original dog, while sitting outside, listening to the sounds of baseball.

Winner
There's a good reason that Kramarczuk's is a Minneapolis staple -- not to mention a 2013 James Beard Award winner. The sausages are seriously that good. Add in the wafting scent from their concourse grill stations and you've got something pretty irresistible. Whether you go with their classic tasty brat, slightly garlicy Polish or their tasty paprika-spiced pork Hungarian, there's truly no wrong answer. Slap on a little mustard or go hog wild with the toppings and you're guaranteed a winning selection.

We'll Just Call it a Tie

I knew going into this it would be a tough battle. If you're looking for a bargain and just need to satisfy your hankering for a dog at the ballpark, look no further than the Original Twins Dog. If you want to up your Twins game meal and enjoy a Minnesota staple not available at any other stadium, a sausage from Kramarczuk's is your answer. Still can't decide? Indulge in both -- calories don't count during outdoor baseball, anyway. (wink, wink)

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